06 Maret 2014
China has proposed a defence budget of CNY 808.2 billion (USD131.8 billion) for 2014 (photo : jeffhead)
China's central government will boost defense spending 12.2 percent this year as President Xi Jinping seeks to create a strong military and the navy extends its reach into neighboring waters.
The defense budget is set to rise to 808.23 billion yuan ($131.6 billion), the Ministry of Finance said in a report today. The percentage increase is greater than that of total government expenditure, which will rise 9.5 percent in 2014, according to the report.
Premier Li Keqiang told the opening session of the National People's Congress in Beijing today that China will continue to enhance border, coastal and air defenses.
"We will comprehensively enhance the revolutionary nature of the Chinese armed forces, further modernize them and upgrade their performance, and continue to raise their deterrence and combat capabilities in the information age," Li said. China will boost research on national defense and the development of new and high technology weapons, he said.
China's military modernization is increasing tension in the region as it challenges the guarantee of security provided by the U.S. for more than a half a century to sea lanes that handle the bulk of world trade. Xi has made a strong military a key priority for a revitalized China and said he wants the nation to be a maritime power.
‘Great Power'
China has also taken an increasingly assertive stance on territorial disputes that have lingered for decades with its neighbors. In November, China declared an air defense identification zone over a swathe of the East China Sea that includes islands disputed with Japan.
"Since China's defense spending is growing more quickly than any other country in the region, it always intensifies concerns about China's intentions as a great power," said Taylor Fravel, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology who studies China's ties with its neighbors. "The presence of active disputes in the maritime domain plus the increasing pace of Chinese naval exercises in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean further intensifies this concern."
Defense spending rose 10.7 percent to 720 billion yuan in 2013, the report said. China has the second-biggest military budget in the world after the U.S., though its outlay is still around five times less.
Chinese ‘Self-Defense'
A rising budget doesn't change the nation's path toward peaceful development, NPC spokeswoman Fu Ying said yesterday. China needs power to ensure peace, and a few neighboring countries are promoting the "China threat" concept, she said.
"China's military budget has already been increasing by an average of more than 10 percent annually for many years," said Denny Roy, a senior fellow at the Honolulu-based East-West Center whose work focuses on Chinese security issues. "In China's view, the Chinese military is still not large or powerful enough to meet the needs of what the Chinese would call self-defense."
That includes the capability to overturn any move by Taiwan toward independence or to enforce China's claims in the South China Sea, he said.
China contests almost all of the South China Sea, based on historical usage and a nine-dash line that extends hundreds of miles south from Hainan Island, where China has a naval base, to the equatorial waters off the coast of Borneo.
Maritime Escalation
China's neighbors have not sought to match its pace of defense spending, though they are shifting the composition of their forces and procurement toward such items as submarines, Fravel said.
In an escalation of tensions with the Philippines, Chinese ships used water cannons in January to drive Filipino fishermen away from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said Feb. 24.
While the U.S. says it does not take sides on territorial disputes it has not supported China's claims under the nine-dash line. The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said last month that "there is no such thing" as the nine-dash line, at a forum in Manila.
China's firmness on territorial matters will stop short of war, said Jian Zhang, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales in Canberra who specializes in China security issues. China's priority is still to make sure the external environment is stable, he said.
‘Deterrence Capability'
"I don't think that China has any intention or think that it's realistic to win the arms race with the U.S.," he said. "China's intention is to develop very credible, decent deterrence capability which can in the case of any military conflict deter U.S intervention. That's what they are hoping for."
The central government's budget for domestic security will increase 2.9 percent to 193.4 billion yuan in 2014. No figure was given for China's total spending on internal security, which in previous years was provided in a table at the back of the budget report. China's security spending has been higher than that on national defense since at least 2010.
Some analysts say China's actual defense spending is much higher than the announced figure. It reached $240 billion last year, about twice the officially declared budget, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said last month.
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel last month proposed a Pentagon budget for the fiscal 2015 year of $496 billion. That would reduce the Army's forces by 6 percent to fewer than before the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The proposed budget would provide $154 billion for weapons purchases and research, $25 billion less than projected a year ago, according to the Defense Department.
The contrasting direction of the budgets prompted a top American procurement official to warn that U.S. military superiority is threatened.
"We've relied on technological superiority for decades now as one of the fundamental things that sets our military apart and I do see that that's not assured given the investments being made by China as well as by other powers," Frank Kendall, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters in Singapore Feb. 11.
(Bloomberg)
05 Maret 2014
P-18 long-range air surveillance radar (photo : kienthuc).
(Kienthuc.net.vn) - Army radar (Air Defense - Air Force) is leading projects to improve and upgrade the radar station P-18 planes of foreign technology.
This information was revealed in an article titled "Quietly waves wing fly away" published recently in the newspaper People's Army.
"... In recent years, along with factory Z119 and the relevant agencies, industry is leading the project radar" investments improved radar station P-18 "with a 100% transfer of technology design and manufacturing creation, "the article said.
P-18 is the realm of mobile radar 2 parameters (NATO designation is Spoon Rest) developed by SKB Design Bureau precursor of Technical Research Institute of Radio NNIIRT Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) today.
Radar is designed to replace the P-12, in use since 1970 and is widely exported to many countries around the world including Vietnam.
P-18 stations operating in the VHF band, 150-170MHz frequency. It has a range of up to 250km reconnaissance, maximum altitude of 35km, azimuth 360 degrees.
An interesting detail is that, P-18 is able to capture stealth aircraft relatively good. The radar wave absorbing coatings proved ineffective for VHF radar using longer wavelengths.
The radar system includes a car antenna is placed on the Ural-4320 chassis with a control center is also located on the Ural-4320 chassis.
Although quite old but radar station P-18 is still an important component in protecting the entire network radar airspace and territorial waters of Vietnam. In particular, our troops have taken the P-18 radio to strengthen Spratlys defense forces here.
P-18 radar stations are deployed in the Spratlys (photo : kienthuc)
But not disclose details upgrade project P-18, however not exclude the possibility that Vietnam can choose P-18 upgrade package of technical research institute Nizhniy Novgorod NNIIRT Radio (Russia).
Accordingly, radar stations will be equipped with the innovative digital processor capable of distinguishing targets in cluttered environments and better resistance to interference. A built-in self-test detects abnormal error of the system, the control room is equipped with multi-screen display function provides the ability to better target Surveys.
Or it could also be upgraded P-18mA pack of Ukraine to Vietnam many interesting properties. Equipped with microprocessor digital signal MTI, operating frequency range extended from 140-180MHz, generators are modular design is very convenient for maintenance and upgrades.
The range of P-18mA reconnaissance increased to 360km, accuracy decreased from 1,400 m to 180m upgrade no later upgrade. Time to deploy combat-ready reduced from 8 minutes to 3 minutes, the power consumption from 6kW to 10kW. With P-18mA stealth fighter F-117A was "unmask" from a distance of 61km.
"Project completion, Z119 factory can produce all the details of 1 meter wave radar stations; Force helps solve significant problems to ensure proper equipment for a radar system in direct and intensive task directives and guidance. Thereby, has trained a staff, technical staff qualified to meet the technical requirements to ensure that the majority of new conditions. Currently, in order to meet mission requirements increasing training SSCD, the industry has been actively monitoring programs and improved radar and weaponry production, "the article adds.
(Kien Thuc)
05 Maret 2014
Kopaska TNI AL terkenal dengan pola rekrutmen dan latihannya yang keras (photos : kaskus militer)
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Ledakan terjadi di gudang amunisi dan senjata Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL, Pondok Dayung, Jakarta Utara, sekitar pukul 10.25 WIB tadi. Lokasi ledakan ada di satu "pulau" kecil di dekat jalur pelayaran kawasan Pelabuhan Tanjungpriok.
Gudang senjata itu selama ini diperuntukkan bagi Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL kawasan barat. Satuan pasukan elit TNI AL ini memiliki kemampuan setara dengan satuan elit sejenis di dunia, di antaranya Navy SEAL dari Amerika Serikat.
Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL berdiri pada 1962 sejalan pengumandangan Komando Trikora dari Presiden Soekarno untuk merebut kembali Irian Barat dari kekuasaan Belanda. Dalam perjalanan sejarahnya, satuan pasukan elit dengan kemampuan trimatra dan peledakan/sabotase bawah laut ini terdiri dari dua grup, yaitu untuk kawasan barat dan kawasan timur, di Dermaga Ujung, Komando Armada Indonesia Kawasan Timur TNI AL.
Mengapa Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL untuk kawasan barat ini bermarkas di Pondok Dayung? Tidak lepas dari peran sejarah eksistensi Angkatan Laut Belanda pada masa penjajahan mereka di Indonesia. Pondok Dayung merupakan "pulau" kecil yang strategis letaknya.
Dilihat dari udara, dia "memagari" jalur pelayaran utama dari Pelabuhan Tanjungpriok, terutama jalur pelayaran (kini) ke Medan, Makassar, dan Surabaya; tiga kota maritim pokok Indonesia selain Jakarta. Untuk bisa ke Pondok Dayung, pengunjung harus melewati Pintu I, III, atau Pintu IX pelabuhan terbesar itu.
Dari Jalan Pelni, pengunjung bisa mengarah ke kiri dan akan sampai di "terminal" penyeberangan menuju Pondok Dayung. Pulau kecil itu bisa jelas dilihat memakai mata telanjang karena jaraknya sekitar 200 meter saja, dipisahkan jalur pelayaran penting yang juga menjadi lokasi galangan kapal di sisi baratnya.
Untuk menginjakkan kaki ke Pondok Dayung di mana Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL kawasan barat bermarkas, tidak bisa tidak, harus memakai kapal penyeberangan selama sekitar 15 menit saja. Di dermaga penyeberangan inilah aktivitas pekerjaan personel militer dan sipil terkait terjadi.
Pekerja sipil yang dipekerjakan untuk berbagai aktivitas perawatan dan pemeliharaan bangunan dan fasilitas lain juga berangkat dan pulang kerja dari dermaga itu. Ada juga fasilitas pemeliharaan dan perawatan TNI AL di Pondok Dayung itu.
Kopaska dengan kendaraan tempur bawah air (photo : athailah)
Begitu sampai, pos dan gerbang penjagaan Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL kawasan barat itu akan "menyambut" pengunjung. Perlu ijin khusus untuk bisa bertamu ke sana bagi kalangan sipil, dan mereka harus menunjukkan identitas jelas pun keperluannya.
Mengarah ke utara pulau itu, terdapat sejenis suar kecil dan sampai di situ saja kalangan sipil bisa melihat-lihat secara bebas, karena kompleks militer berbangunan warisan penjajahan Belanda yang masih sangat terawat itu sangat dijaga keamanannya.
Gudang senjata itu sendiri tidak pernah diungkap secara sejas keberadaannya kepada umum. Begitupun jenis, tipe, dan jumlah persenjaraan dan amunisi yang disimpan di dalamnya. Yang jelas, personel Komando Pasukan Katak TNI AL memiliki kemampuan renang tempur, peledakan bawah air, penjinakan peledak bawah air, hingga sabotase bawah air.
Misalnya, mereka harus mampu memasang ranjau laut langsung ke titik yang ditentukan di badan kapal sasaran. Mereka juga harus mampu bertempur di bawah air dan mengoperasikan alat transportasi bawah air bermesin.
Sumber di TNI AL menyatakan, pola rekrutmen dan latihan mereka tidak lazim diketahui umum. "Yang jelas, mereka harus mampu mengoperasikan berbagai jenis senjata, misalnya Heckler & Koch MP5K dan punya kemampuan intelijen," kata sumber itu.
Latihan meledakkan bahan peledak hasil "racikan" ataupun paket pabrikan, kerap mereka lakukan di lokasi yang telah ditentukan; baik di atas permukaan laut ataupun bawah permukaan laut. Beberapa jenis bahan peledak yang lazim dipergunakan adalah TNT dan C4 serupa pasta.
(Antara)
05 Maret 2014
DND will acquire 12 units 155mm howitzer (photo : Rowielip)
Philippine gov't to purchase 12 howitzers
MANILA (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government said Wednesday that it would acquire 12 units of 155-millimeter howitzers in its bid to upgrade the army's capability to fight leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) and the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said the government is spending 438.6 million pesos (9.78 million U.S. dollars) to purchase the weapons.
The DND said it will conduct a bidding, which will be open to local and foreign contractors on March 11.
The government said the additional howitzers will be used by the Philippine Army which is at the forefront in the fight against the NPA and the Abu Sayyaf.
(Xinhua)
05 Maret 2014
Cony International said it has developed a radar-absorbing material that can be used in development of stealthy fighters, such as for the KF-X project
SEOUL — A South Korean company claims that it has developed a radar absorbing material (RAM) suited to absorption of almost all frequencies.
Cony International, based in Icheon, announced it has developed a RAM with reflectivity lower than -10dB at any frequency.
“The Cony RAM has greater radar absorbency at almost all frequencies,” said Choi Jae-chul, chairman of the company. “This material could be applied to many types of weapons systems, such as fighter jets and warships, for stealth capabilities. It will help improve their survivability and mission capability to a greater extent.”
Korea Maritime and Ocean University evaluated the Cony RAM for its radar cross-section efficiency last November. The absorption rate peaked at a level as high as 98 percent, according to the university.
The national university in Busan is one of the two organizations in South Korea to evaluate the RAM performances. The other is the Agency for Defense Department, affiliated with the Ministry of National Defense.
“RAM generally absorbs radar waves either at a certain frequency or a short range of frequencies,” said Professor Kim Dong-il of the Department of Radio Sciences and Engineering at the university. “But the Cony RAM has been tested to have excellent electromagnetic absorption performance over a wide band.”
The RAM could be used in developing a stealthy fighter jet, Kim said, referring to the country’s KF-X project aimed at developing an F-16 class aircraft with radar-evading stealth capabilities.
Established in 1986, Cony International has long developed microwave absorbing materials both for commercial and military purposes.
In the late 1980s, the company supplied the South Korean Navy with RAMs for warships to resolve electromagnetic interferences.
It also signed a contract with a Middle East nation in 1992 to provide RAMs for fighter aircraft.
(DefenseNews)
04 Maret 2014
Prototipe pesawat N250 buatan PT DI (photo : Tempo)
Jakarta -Lembaga Antariksa dan Penerbangan Nasional (LAPAN) siap mengembangkan pesawat perintis jenis terbaru yaitu N245. LAPAN akan mengeluarkan anggaran hingga Rp 600 miliar untuk membuat dan mengembangkan pesawat ini.
Pesawat dengan tingkat jelajah jauh lebih besar dari N219 ini, nantinya dapat mengangkut jumlah penumpang hingga 45 orang. Sebelumnya Mantan Menristek BJ Habibie sempat membuat beberapa prototipe pesawat N250 dengan kapasitas 50 orang penumpang.
"Anggarannya besaran kita perkirakan nggak terlalu beda dari pesawat N219. Barangkali harga mesin saja yang beda. Kalau sekarang dengan proyek N219 sebesar Rp 400 miliar dapat 2 pesawat mungkin N245 ini kalau kita coba bikin sekitar 1,5 lebih tinggi atau sekitar Rp 500 hingga Rp 600 miliar," kata Kepala Pusat Teknologi Penerbangan LAPAN Gunawan S Prabowo kepada detikFinance, Senin (3/3/2014).
Menurutnya pesawat N245 adalah proses pengembangan dari pesawat sebelumnya yang sudah ada yaitu CN235. Hanya saja tim ahli LAPAN dibantu PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) nantinya akan memodifikasi di bagian ekor pesawat. Dengan adanya modifikasi tersebut jumlah penumpang bisa bertambah sebanyak 10 orang menjadi 45 orang. Pesawat CN235 hanya dapat menampung 35 penumpang.
"Sebetulnya pesawat jenis ini hanya pengembangan N-235. Hanya di belakang sayap itu pakai pintu belakang ternyata kalau dikonversi bisa menambah tempat duduk sebanyak 10 orang," imbuhnya.
Ditargetkan pesawat N245 mulai dilakukan pengembangan pada awal tahun 2017 dan rampung di tahun 2020. Spesifikasi pesawat sepenuhnya dibuat di dalam negeri hanya mesin pesawat masih diimpor dari negara lain. Mesin yang akan digunakan pesawat N245 mempunyai daya jelajah lebih tinggi dan cepat dibandingkan N219 dan CN235.
Sehingga diharapkan dengan adanya pesawat N245 pihak maskapai penerbangan nasional dapat membeli produk pesawat buatan anak bangsa ini. Apalagi di era sekarang bisnis penerbangan perintis sedang naik daun.
"Pasar penerbangan perintis semakin besar lalu membangkitkan kembali industri pesawat lokal. N245 dengan jelajah lebih tinggi nantinya diharapkan dapat digunakan oleh perusahaan Airlines kita," jelasnya.
Saat ini PT DI dan LAPAN sedang mengerjakan proyek N219 yang targetnya bisa mengudara dan mulai dikembangkan secara massal di 2016.
(Detik)
04 Maret 2014
GE F404 engine (photo : vnfawing)
GE Aviation today announced a $230 million extension to its contract with the Defence Materiel Organisation in support of the Royal Australian Air Force. The extended agreement lengthens GE support of the GE F404 engine through to 2022.
The GE F404 engines power the RAAF fleet of 71 Classic Hornets based in Williamtown, outside of Newcastle in New South Wales. The 148 F404 engines have flown over 640,000 engine hours since the F404 engines began service in 1985.
As part of the contract, GE will continue to manage all off-wing maintenance of the engines, including local and off-site repair, troubleshooting assistance, engineering, warehousing, transportation and logistics planning and management of subcontractors.
GE Aviation Regional Executive, Max York, said: “We are pleased to extend the RAAF contract for the maintenance of Classic Hornet F404 engines until 2022. This was the first long-term international military support contract for our business, and is set to be the longest and most comprehensive in the GE Aviation military service business.
“The F404 and the F414 engines we supply to the RAAF are recognised as the leading engines for combat aircraft globally. Our defence partners operate in challenging environments and we look forward to supporting the F404 engines for the next seven years and beyond,” Mr York said.
GE’s initial contract with RAAF was signed in 2008 and supports both the F404 and F414 engines. Since 2008, the F404 have flown over 100,000 engine hours.
(General Electric)
